EVN seeks to ensure adequate power supply

(VEN) – The Vietnam Electricity (EVN) says that given annual power consumption growth of over 10 percent, the company will have to invest great efforts to avoid power shortages from 2020 on. Accelerating investment Total generated and imported electricity output of the whole system reached 18.4 billion kWh (614.8 million kWh per day, on average) in September 2018 and 163.5 billion kWh in the first nine months of this year, an increase of 10.54 percent compared to the same period last year. In the first nine months of the year, EVN and its member units put into operation four 500kV, 20 220kV and 97 110kV projects; and kicked off construction of five 500kV, 11 220kV and 86 110kV projects. The power sector also completed and put into operation the Song Bung 2 Hydropower Plant with total capacity of 100MW. EVN put into operation two power units at the Vinh Tan 4 Thermal Power Plant and two power units at the Thai Binh Thermal Power Plant. EVN Deputy General Director Ngo Son Hai said power supply in 2019 and 2020 was ensured but shortages could occur in the south during the 2021-2023 period. Power shortages may increase up to 2025 with scenarios including high load or the water volume in reservoirs dropping below that of previous years. Increasing power purchases EVN is negotiating the purchase of electricity from regional countries, especially Laos, and seeking investors in solar power plants. EVN asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to issue a price framework… [Read full story]